If people are given the chance to experience life in more than one country, they will hate a little less. It's not a miracle potion, but little by little you can solve problems in the basement of a country, not on the surface.

The quote by Marjane Satrapi reflects her belief in the power of cross-cultural experience to reduce hatred and foster greater understanding among people. By saying that if individuals “experience life in more than one country,” they will “hate a little less,” Satrapi suggests that exposure to different cultures, values, and ways of life broadens perspectives. This exposure helps dismantle stereotypes and prejudices, replacing them with empathy and human connection.

Her acknowledgment that it’s “not a miracle potion” shows that she views this process as gradual, not instantaneous. Hatred and misunderstanding are deeply rooted issues, and living in multiple cultural contexts doesn’t erase them overnight. However, Satrapi emphasizes that little by little, these experiences work at a deeper level—addressing the problems in the basement of a country rather than just the surface. In other words, true change comes from tackling the underlying causes of division, not just the visible symptoms.

The origin of this quote lies in Satrapi’s own life story. Born in Iran and later living in Europe, she is best known as the author of the acclaimed graphic memoir Persepolis, which explores her childhood during the Iranian Revolution and her life abroad. Her personal experiences of moving between vastly different cultural worlds shaped her belief that living in more than one country can challenge ingrained biases and encourage mutual respect.

Ultimately, Satrapi’s words highlight a humanistic approach to solving societal problems—one that relies on personal interaction, empathy, and understanding at the grassroots level. By fostering cross-cultural connections, individuals can contribute to healing divisions in ways that are more enduring and authentic than political rhetoric or superficial solutions.